Victory and Vindication in Jesus

1 Peter 3:13-22

1 Peter 3:13-22

• Bad News – righteousness brings suffering

–How the world should work (v13)

–How the world usually works (v14a)

• Good News – you are blessed

–“favored/privileged”

Matthew 5:10–12 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great…

Suffering brings blessing

Acts 5:40–42 They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Suffering brings blessing

Proof of blessing in suffering

• Jesus: Persecution led to victory

–He suffered unjustly on our behalf (18)

–His suffering led to victory and vindication (18-19,22)

Proof of blessing in suffering

• Jesus: Persecution led to victory

2 Peter 2:4–5 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Proof of blessing in suffering

• Jesus: Persecution led to victory

Genesis 6:1–2 Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.

Proof of blessing in suffering

• Jesus: Persecution led to victory

• Noah: Persecution led to deliverance

– the wicked outnumber the righteous

–God is patient towards sinners

–God delivers the righteous and punishes the wicked

–belief brings deliverance

Proof of blessing in suffering

• Jesus: Persecution led to victory

• Noah: Persecution led to deliverance

• Us: Persecution proves coming victory

Belief and BaptismActs 8:35–38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him.

Belief and Baptism

Acts 10:43–44, 47 “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message…“Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?”

Proof of blessing in suffering

• Jesus: Persecution led to victory

• Noah: Persecution led to deliverance

• Us: Persecution proves coming victory

Response to Persecution

• Don’t be afraid (v14)

• Be ready to share your hope (v15)

• Maintain a good conscience (v16-17)

1. Fight: retaliate

2. Flight: surrender, give up

3. Patiently endure